Wooster, OH Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Wooster, OH: What You Need to Know

Wooster in north-central Ohio is home to the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC), a leading research institution focusing on food, agriculture, and the environment. Wooster is the government seat of Wayne County.

Job Opportunities

Wooster and Wayne County’s economy represents a wide variety of industries. J.M. Smuckers, America’s favorite brand of jam and jelly, peanut butter, and fruit syrup, is based in Wayne County. Ohio State University is one of the key drivers of the local economy, thanks to the presence of OARDC, part of the university’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. Other top employers in the area include Wooster Community Hospital, Schaeffler (manufacturing), College of Wooster, Buehler’s Fresh Foods, Wooster Brush Co., and Frito-Lay.

Schools and Higher Education

The city is home to the College of Wooster (2,004 students), known for its liberal arts education. It was established in 1866 on a 240-acre campus. The college offers 43 undergraduate programs, concentrated into 34 majors. There are 41 other colleges and universities within 50 miles of the city. The Wooster City School District has seven public schools serving 3,545 students. 

How Big Is Wooster?

Wooster covers 16.31 square miles in land area. The city has a population of 26,394. It has 600 acres of parkland, two public outdoor swimming pools, an indoor pool, and a bike trail network. Wooster’s cost of living rate, food, and housing costs are 10.8%, 25%, and 21.5% lower than the national average respectively. The median gross rent is $728. Ohio’s income tax ranges from 0% to 4.797%, with many municipalities charging extra income taxes. The state levies 5.75% in statewide sales tax. 

How Did Wooster Get Its Name?

Established in 1808, Wooster was named after David Wooster of Connecticut, a Revolutionary War general. Wooster became the seat of Wayne County in 1811. Two things stimulated the city’s growth in the 19th century – the establishment of College of Wooster in 1868 and the success of the manufacturer Underwood Whip Co. in the 1890s.

What’s Unique About Wooster, OH?

For a small city, Wooster has a lot of culture to offer, from music, theater, and dance to festivals and wine tastings. The Wayne Center for the Arts, the region’s oldest visual and performing arts organization, showcases artwork by local artists, hosts performances, and offers instructional courses. Live music and entertainment are held year-round, thanks to the Wayne County Choral Union, Wooster Symphony Orchestra, and Wooster Jazz Ensemble. The College of Wooster’s Ohio Light Opera, founded in 1979, is the only professional company in the country devoted to operetta.